The moment Ye Yaodong entered the house, he spotted the conspicuous radio on the table. Its boxy shape and straight lines gave it a sharply angular, conventional look, with an overall impression of solidity and simplicity. It was much like the ones he had seen in other people's homes, but this one was a Red Lantern Brand.
There were little holes across the front and two round knobs on the side.
There were all sorts of radio brands around now. Not many households in the village had bicycles or watches, but quite a few had radios and sewing machines.
Sewing machines were the most useful things in their countryside. Ready-made clothes were very expensive then, and with so many people in a family, there were plenty of clothes they could not afford. Winter padded jackets and the like were even more expensive, so they could only make their own.
Radios were people's main source of news and information about the outside world, as well as an important means of entertainment.
"How do you work it? Did anyone show you?"
Ye Chenghe said anxiously, "Third Uncle, don't go pressing things if you don't know how."
Ye Chenghai and Ye Chengjiang had both gone out to sea and had not returned yet. The six remaining children all chimed in, telling him not to touch it carelessly. They had been warned over and over that day: if they broke it, they would get their hands broken!
Mother Ye also called out nervously to stop him. "Don't go pressing things."
The two spoke in astonished unison, then immediately grew tremendously excited.
The moment Father Ye heard the familiar storytelling program, The Tale of Yue Fei, his eyes lit up and he excitedly called for her to stop.
"Stop, stop, stop! This one, this one!